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This is one of the best known monuments on Exmoor. Several
theories claim these to be from the Bronze Age, although others date
them from around 1400 AD
Tarr Steps (868322) near Dulverton is in delightful farming countryside. Passing over the River Barle, this bridge or causeway that is said by some to be prehistoric and by others to be medieval is without doubt the finest of its type in England. It has 17 spans of flat stone slabs supported on stone piers laid on the river bed. One of the larger slabs weighs about two tonnes. Sloping stones angled against the piers protect the structure from the rushing current. Including the paved approach, the bridge is about 180feet (55metres) in length and stands around 3 feet (1 metre) above the water surface. All but
one span was swept away during the 1952 floods which devastated the Lynton and Lynmouth area. The bridge was later restored by Somerset County Council. Various beings have been associated with the building of Tarr Steps including fairies, giants, Nordic gods and Old Nick himself, who is said to sunbathe here. Tarr Steps Farm serves refreshments.
Across the River Barle is
probably the oldest mediaeval Clapper Bridge in England. Myth has it
that the Devil built the Bridge at Tarr
Steps and still has sunbathing rights on its stones. The myth continues
that the devil swore he was kill anyone who tried to cross his bridge.
The terrified locals got the parson to face him. A cat was sent over
the Bridge but was vaporised in a puff of smoke. The parson then set
off and met the Devil midway. The Devil swore and intimidated but the
parson gave as good as he got and finally the Devil agreed to let people
pass except when he wants to sunbathe.
Contributed by:Mike Townsend
Page reference: All_Buildings
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